If you have seen Bradley Cooper in one of his famous movies, it’s safe to say that he is good at what he does. A good actor should be flexible, and he checks this list. Whether it be romance, comedy, or action, there’s a Bradley Cooper film for you. Here are the 11 best Bradley Cooper movies.
Bradley Charles Cooper, more famously known as Bradley Cooper, is a well-known American actor born on January 6, 1975. He is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and began his career in comedies.
As Cooper journeyed in the industry, he began to succeed in both action and dramatic parts. As he maintained his profession, he won several awards mirroring his development.
Not only has he received several nominations including for Academy Awards, Tony Awards and Golden Globe Awards, he has also won several of them like the Tony, the British Academy Film, and Grammy Awards. In fact he has already won not one, but two Grammys.
In the television sitcom Sex and the City, he made his debut as an actor in 1999. In addition, he also had a regular role in the television spy drama Alias.
His projects continued, and he also earned starring roles in the television series Kitchen Confidential and various movies and television appearances.
Cooper has been referred to as a sex symbol by the media, and in 2011, he was dubbed the Sexiest Man Alive by People magazine. Now, he also ventures into writing, producing, and directing films.
1. Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
English 2h 2m IMDb
David O. Russell
Stars: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro
This story follows Pat Solatano as he moves in with his parents after coming home from a mental facility. The film portrays his struggles as he tries to rebuild his life, having lost his career and marriage.
While his parents are happy to welcome him and share a hobby, he wants to start over and get back together with his wife. Pat’s life becomes more complicated when he meets Tiffany.
She promises to help him repair his marriage in exchange for something. The movie has an excellent balance in portraying the character’s situation: sharp and emotional. The film’s superb score and stellar acting make it well worth your time.
2. The Hangover (2009)
English 1h 40m IMDb
Todd Phillips
Stars: Zach Galifianakis, Bradley Cooper, Justin Bartha
This film is about four friends on their way to Vegas for an unforgettable bachelor party for Doug. The following day, they wake up with no recollection of the previous day’s events.
Another more pressing case is the disappearance of Doug. These three groggy friends must scramble up and find Doug before his wedding in Los Angeles. The Hangover surely ranks among the very best in the comedic scene.
The actors have impeccable chemistry, and their dynamics work well. Nobody’s too overwhelmed and left behind. It’s amazingly entertaining thanks to its well-developed characters, use of language, and the connection it establishes with its audience.
3. A Star Is Born (2018)
English, French 2h 16m IMDb
Bradley Cooper
Stars: Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper, Sam Elliott
This story tells the love story of an accomplished musician, Jackson Maine, and a promising artist named Ally. Ally is on the verge of letting go of her desire for fame and recognition when Jackson convinces her to perform.
As Ally’s life moves forward positively, Jackson’s hit rock bottom. Cooper and Gaga are amazing in this film. Their chemistry is excellent and, to put it simply, beautiful.
The movie moves along nicely, keeping the audience engaged from beginning to end while featuring excellent songs. In fact, the songs in this film have reached great heights in popularity and, consequently, the movie.
4. Limitless (2011)
English, Russian, Italian, Mandarin, French 1h 45m IMDb
Neil Burger
Stars: Bradley Cooper, Anna Friel, Abbie Cornish
This film is about Eddie Morra, an author currently unemployed and rejected by his girlfriend.
Things take a complete turn when someone gives him a medication that increases concentration. High on the unproven chemical, Eddie quickly ascends the economic ladder, catching the eye of a billionaire who plans to exploit him for personal gain.
However, Eddie’s plans face the risk of collapse because of the appalling side effects. All the actors have given solid performances. The film’s pace makes it hard to nitpick while watching as you are compelled to concentrate on the film and see what happens next.
5. The Place Beyond the Pines (2012)
English, Spanish 2h 20m IMDb
Derek Cianfrance
Stars: Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper, Eva Mendes
This film is a heartfelt and wholly distinctive story of fathers and sons. It intricately tackles paternal misdeeds, generational repercussions, and the ripple effect of a single event. All three of the film’s segments are just as exciting and unexpected as the last.
The characters are poetically connected, making an even more intriguing plot. The film’s elements and cinematic choices mirrored the characters’ circumstances and actions, deepening the audience’s emotional connection. The movie uses a solid plot and an equally high-quality execution.
6. American Sniper (2014)
English, Arabic 2h 13m IMDb
Clint Eastwood
Stars: Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Kyle Gallner
This film tells the story of Chris Kyle, a U.S. Navy SEAL, as he takes only one mission seriously: to protect his teammates at all costs.
Unfortunately, his lethal precision is a double-edged sword as it protects and saves but also makes him the enemy’s prime target. As a result, he ventures into new missions while juggling fatherhood.
Even when back home, he finds out how his duty will always be alive in him. There are several impressive battle sequences and performances in this film. While some scenes can be over the top, it still delivers an entertaining and gripping story.
7. American Hustle (2013)
English, Arabic 2h 18m IMDb
David O. Russell
Stars: Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper
This film intertwines the lives of Irving Rosenfeld, a con artist specializing in forgery. His life significantly changes after he falls for Sydney Prosser, another con artist.
When FBI agent Richie DiMaso catches Irv and Sydney in a lie, they are coerced into participating in a covert operation designed to bring down a New Jersey mayor.
The movie may start slowly, but it quickly catches up and becomes better with each passing minute. One of the treasured edges of this film is the cast and how well they play each role. Their performances put together secured a long shelf life for this movie.
8. Nightmare Alley (2021)
English, French 2h 30m IMDb
Guillermo del Toro
Stars: Bradley Cooper, Cate Blanchett, Toni Collette
At a traveling circus, the charming but unfortunate Stanton Carlisle wins the affection of the clairvoyant Zeena and her husband, Pete, who used to be a mentalist.
Using this information, he comes up with a plan that will get him forward in life. With righteous Molly as his support, Stanton concocts a scheme to defraud a menacing tycoon. He hires the help of a peculiar psychiatrist who might just be as cunning as he is.
Overall, this movie is a superb representation of its genre and succeeds in captivating its audience with high-quality production and excellent performance. This could be right up your alley if you enjoy classic Noir stories.
9. The A-Team (2010)
English, Spanish, French, Swahili, German 1h 57m IMDb
Joe Carnahan
Stars: Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper, Sharlto Copley
For Hannibal Smith, it’s about seeing his carefully crafted plans come to fruition as he directs an elite squad of special agents.
When Smith and his men are falsely accused of a heinous crime, they go awol and use their skills to exonerate themselves and track down the real criminal. The film contains non-stop tension with a hint of comedy and sensational scenes throughout its running time.
It is an exciting journey that people of all ages will enjoy. The movie is jam-packed with exciting sequences. The conversation is snappy and entertaining.
The development of the characters is minimal, and there is no ambiguity whatsoever in the plot making it natural light and not confusing.
10. Burnt (2015)
English, French, Italian 1h 41m IMDb
John Wells
Stars: Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Daniel Brühl
Adam Jones used to be a celebrated chef in Paris. However, things took a negative turn because of alcohol and a drug-fueled breakdown.
He gets a second chance at redemption after relocating to London, where he meets his past maitre d’ again. With hesitation, he is hired as head chef of a high-end restaurant. Now he must continue his dreams with a new team.
Although the editing in Burnt could be jarring to some viewers, it serves its purpose of capturing the action in the kitchen.
Burnt is an excellent film with plenty of exciting and well-acted cooking scenes. If you appreciate films like this, you would for sure find this film exciting as it is.
11. The Hangover Part II (2011)
English, Thai 1h 42m IMDb
Todd Phillips
Stars: Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, Ed Helms
Stu’s wedding day has finally arrived, happening two years after the tragedies in Las Vegas. Stu’s future wife is Thai; therefore, that’s where the nuptials will take place.
When faced with the prospect of attending Doug’s wild bachelor party, Stu opts for a calmer pre-wedding breakfast that doesn’t involve booze.
However, they are in a foreign country altogether; nobody knows for sure what could happen. The Hangover Part II is an excellent comedy sequel, even though the story is essentially the same as the first one.
It builds a bond of familiarity because the viewer already knows the characters. The connection makes this sequel a heartfelt film.
Summary
Given the capabilities of Bradley Cooper, you can always expect an exciting list of movies.
Catering to many genres, you can surely take your pick and enjoy it in your way. These 11 best Bradley Cooper movies can fill in the gaps of a solitary movie night or a watch party with friends.